Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“She’s here to support her stepbrother,” I add, knowing it’ll irk her.
Mom flashes her an Aww, aren’t you the best stepsister in the world look.
Carina gives me a bit of side eye before grumbling, “He’s my ex-stepbrother.”
“Is there really such a thing? You can’t divorce siblings,” Mom adds.
“Sure, you can. I did it. Successfully, too.”
“You’re so funny,” Mom says with a chuckle and a pat on her arm.
When I shoot her a grin, Carina glares at me.
And the best thing?
I’m not even thinking about the players who are circling the ice for warmups. I’m focused on my family and Carina. Hopefully, that’s exactly the way it’ll stay for the next three hours.
Ryder who?
That’s right.
That’s exactly right.
I hug Stella and we chat a little bit since I haven’t run into her on campus lately. Carina settles between the two of us.
“We should have gotten snacks,” my roomie says, leaning closer to be heard over the blare of music and the noise of the crowd. “I’m starving.”
I shake my head. I have no idea how Carina stays so slender. This is one chick who doesn’t survive on leafy greens and diet soda. Sure, she spends hours a day in the dance studio, but the bitch can eat.
I’m envious of her metabolism. Sometimes it feels like all I have to do is look at a piece of chocolate cake and I gain five pounds.
“I’m going to run to the bathroom before the game starts. I’ll stop at the concession stand on my way back.”
“Want me to come with you?” she asks.
“Nah.” I rise to my feet. “I’ll be back in five. This will give you time to watch Ford.”
“Shut up.”
With a chuckle, I shimmy past the line of seats to the aisle. Unable to help myself, I glance at the ice. The entire team is out there warming up. That’s more than fifty guys. And yet, my gaze slices to Ryder. His stick is resting across the blades of his shoulders and his arms are hanging over the length as he takes long strides, stretching the muscles in his legs.
The sight of him is almost enough to steal my breath, and my heart picks up tempo in response as an unwanted rush of longing floods through me. As soon as our gazes collide, a zip of electricity sizzles through my veins and I rip my attention away, swinging around and hurrying up the concrete stairs to the concourse. First, I hit the restrooms and take care of business before locating the concession stand and ordering three bottles of water and two large boxes of popcorn to share with Stella and my parents.
With my arms loaded down, I head back to the bleachers.
“Hey, stranger,” a deep voice says.
I flick a glance to the side and find Sawyer grinning ear to ear.
For just a second or two, his presence throws me off. “Hi! What are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d check out one of Mav’s games.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet. He’ll appreciate you showing up to support him.”
Sawyer shrugs before pointing toward the bottles and boxes. “Looks like you could use a hand.”
“That would be great.” I pass him the three water bottles as we enter the arena.
My roomie’s brows rise when she gets a look at the handsome, dark-haired guy trailing behind me.
“Carina, have you met Sawyer? He’s an old family friend.”
Stella waves before Mom rises and pulls him in for a warm embrace. She’s always liked him. When I first started at Western, she made a couple of comments about how fun it would be if the two of us got together since our families have always been close. We grabbed lunch at the Union a couple times, but nothing more transpired.
“It’s so good to see you again,” Mom says. “Are your parents planning to make it? I didn’t get a chance to touch base with your mom during the week.”
Regret flashes across his face as he shakes his head. “No, sorry. They’re having dinner tonight with one of Dad’s associates.”
“That’s too bad. Maybe next time.”
Sawyer’s green eyes flicker to mine. “Definitely.”
I settle next to Carina before passing over two of the drinks and both boxes of popcorn.
“Thanks.” She immediately pops open the lid and digs in. After munching a few pieces, she leans closer and whispers, “Damn, he’s hot. I totally approve.”
With a laugh, I shake my head. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends.”
She glances past me to the handsome guy who has settled on the seat next to mine. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”
Carina doesn’t know what she’s talking about. He’s more like a cousin than anything else. Wanting to shut down the conversation, I refocus my attention on Sawyer as the puck is dropped and the game gets underway.
My gaze stays fastened on Ryder every time he’s out for a shift. Because I’m paying close attention, I notice when he gets passed over in the lineup and another player takes his place. Even from here, I can feel the pent-up agitation rolling off him in heavy, suffocating waves.